Google is undergoing significant organizational changes as it refines its return to work strategy. The tech giant has announced layoffs affecting several hundred employees across engineering, hardware, and Google Assistant teams. This move aims to streamline operations and prioritize resources towards artificial intelligence (AI) development.​

Voluntary Buyouts in Device Divisions

In addition to layoffs, Google is offering voluntary buyouts to employees within its Platforms and Devices unit, which includes Android, Chrome, Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest teams. This approach provides an alternative for employees, allowing them to depart with severance packages.​

Return to Work and Desk-Sharing Policies

As part of its return to work plan, Google is introducing desk-sharing arrangements in major offices located in California, New York, and Washington. Employees will share desks on alternating days, reflecting a shift towards a hybrid work environment and optimizing office space utilization.​

Investing in Artificial Intelligence

The company’s restructuring efforts coincide with increased investments in AI infrastructure. Google’s new Chief Financial Officer, Anat Ashkenazi, emphasizes the need for enhanced efficiency to support these technological advancements.​

Employee Concerns about In-Person Work and Relocations

The recent changes have raised concerns among employees, with over 1,250 signing a petition requesting transparent performance evaluations and the option for buyouts before layoffs. Additionally, approximately 200 roles from Google’s Core unit, encompassing Python development, technical infrastructure, and security, are being relocated to countries like India and Mexico to align teams closer to key markets and manage costs.​

As Google navigates its return to work strategy, the company maintains that these decisions are essential for fostering long-term growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.​

Sources: 

• Reuters – Google lays off hundreds of employees in Android, Pixel teams
  Details the layoffs within Google’s Platforms and Devices unit, affecting teams like Android and Pixel.
  Read more​Android Central+3Reuters+3Outlook Business+3

• The Verge – Google offers ‘voluntary exit’ to all US platforms and devices employees
  Discusses Google’s voluntary exit program for U.S. employees in the Platforms and Devices team.
  Read more​Android Central+2The Verge+2San Francisco Chronicle+2

• Entrepreneur – Google Asks Some Remote Workers to Return to the Office
  Covers Google’s request for remote staff to adopt a hybrid work schedule or accept a voluntary exit package.
  Read more​UC Today+5Entrepreneur+5Executive Gov+5

• Silicon Valley Journals – Google Lays Off Over 200 ‘Core’ Employees, Shifts Operations Overseas
  Reports on the layoff of over 200 employees from Google’s Core division and the relocation of some roles to India and Mexico.
  Read more​Silicon Valley Journals+1AOL+1

• Kadence – Inside the Breakdown of Hybrid Strategy at Google
  Analyzes the challenges and implications of Google’s hybrid work strategy and its impact on remote workers.
  Read more​

When most people think of high-level security, they imagine bodyguards flanking a celebrity or tech mogul. But the truth is, many of the same principles used to protect executives can—and should—be applied to everyday home security.

We spoke with Charles Law, CEO of Law Security Inc., a firm that provides elite protection services for high-net-worth clients, to understand how homeowners can adopt executive-level strategies to keep their families and property safe.

“The best security isn’t reactive—it’s proactive. What we use to protect CEOs and public figures can easily translate to smart habits and systems for protecting your home,” says Law.

Start with a Risk Assessment

Just like in corporate security, your home security should begin with a risk assessment. Take stock of your property’s vulnerabilities. Are there dark entry points? Is your garage visible from the street? Do you have security cameras, and are they positioned effectively?

Executive protection professionals routinely audit every location their clients visit. Homeowners can take a similar approach—walk the perimeter of your property at night, test your locks and alarms, and regularly update your security tech.

Invest in Layered Physical Security

At the heart of executive protection is physical security. For the home, this means more than just locking the front door. Consider layers: motion-sensor lighting, smart locks, security cameras, reinforced doors and windows, and a reliable alarm system.

Professional teams rely on access control systems to regulate who gets into secure areas. Homeowners can do the same by setting up smart access systems that allow for temporary codes or remote entry for trusted guests or service providers.

Don’t Overlook Cybersecurity

We live in a digital world, and that means your home’s Wi-Fi, smart doorbell, or baby monitor could be a vulnerability. In executive security, cybersecurity is as important as physical safety.

Make sure your home network is secure with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and encrypted connections. Routinely update software on all smart devices and keep an eye out for phishing scams that could compromise your home systems.

Plan for Travel Like a Professional

When executives travel, every detail is mapped out—from secure transportation to destination safety. Homeowners can learn from this too. If you’re going on vacation, avoid posting in real time on social media. Have someone collect your mail and keep lights on a timer to create the appearance of activity.

“Burglars are opportunists. If your house looks unoccupied and unprotected, it becomes a target. Planning your travel with security in mind can make all the difference,” says Law.

Educate Your Household

One of the most overlooked elements in both executive and home security is education. Everyone in your household—kids included—should know the basics: don’t share personal information online, always lock doors and windows, and know how to respond in an emergency.

Even simple drills or walkthroughs can help build preparedness and prevent panic in a real-life situation.

Make Security a Lifestyle, Not a Gadget

While gadgets and alarms are helpful, real security is a mindset. Executive protection isn’t just about responding to threats—it’s about anticipating and avoiding them altogether. Homeowners who adopt this way of thinking are already ahead of the curve.

As Charles Law puts it, “Security isn’t just about what you install. It’s about what you know, what you prepare for, and how you live every day.”

A range of devices that cater to various needs are available to the public—from creative professionals to gamers and business users. After analyzing customer feedback and expert reviews, we’ve curated a list of the top five laptops that truly stand out this year.

1. Apple MacBook Pro 18-inch (2025)

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Apple’s MacBook Pro 18-inch powered by the M4 chip is a beast built for creative professionals. Its dazzling 8K Retina display offers elite color accuracy, perfect for high-end video editing and design work. With a sleek chassis, a buttery-smooth user experience, and up to 22 hours of battery life, it’s the definition of all-day performance.

2. Asus Zenbook A14

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

The Asus Zenbook A14 makes a strong case for being the best ultraportable of the year. With a Snapdragon X Elite processor and an ultra-vivid OLED display, this lightweight laptop clocks in over 30 hours of battery life—yes, really. It’s a road warrior’s dream, blending portability, performance, and long-lasting power.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

The ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition brings Lenovo’s premium business DNA into a sleek, modern form. Running on Intel’s 200 series Core Ultra processors, this laptop delivers high-end performance with a crisp OLED screen and improved AI features, all wrapped in that familiar ThinkPad reliability.

4. MSI Titan 18 AI (2025)

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

If gaming or raw horsepower is your game, the MSI Titan 18 AI brings the heat. With Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs, this machine is as powerful as it is massive. The 18-inch 4K 120Hz mini LED display is a showstopper, while the cooling and performance tuning options are every enthusiast’s dream.

5. Framework Laptop 13 (2025)

Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)

The latest Framework Laptop 13 continues to impress with its commitment to repairability and customization. Featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI 300-series chips, it provides solid performance for everyday tasks, but its real strength lies in how user-friendly and upgradeable it is. For sustainability-minded users, this one’s a no-brainer.

The laptops of 2025 prove that performance, battery life, and smart design aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether you’re editing 4K video, tackling spreadsheets on the go, or building your own modular machine, there’s something on this list for you. As technology continues to push boundaries, these five laptops show us what the future of personal computing looks like.